Angle-dependent quantum Otto heat engine based on coherent dipole-dipole coupling

• Published in: Europhysics letters Vol. 115; no. 3; p. 30002
• Main Authors: Su, Shan-He, Luo, Xiao-Qing, Chen, Jin-Can, Sun, Chang-Pu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Les Ulis EDP Sciences, IOP Publishing and Società Italiana di Fisica 01.08.2016; IOP Publishing
• Subjects: 05.70.-a; 05.70.Ln; 07.20.Pe; Biological effects; Biomimetics; Coherence; Coupling; Coupling (molecular); Devices; Dipole interactions; Dipole moment; Dipole moments; Electromagnetic interactions; Energy harvesting; Heat engines; Magnetic fields
• ISSN: 0295-5075; 1286-4854
• DOI: 10.1209/0295-5075/115/30002

Electromagnetic interactions between molecules or within a molecule have been widely observed in biological systems and exhibit broad application for molecular structural studies. Quantum delocalization of molecular dipole moments has inspired researchers to explore new avenues to utilize this physical effect for energy harvesting devices. Herein, we propose a simple model of the angle-dependent quantum Otto heat engine which seeks to facilitate the conversion of heat to work. Unlike previous studies, the adiabatic processes are accomplished by varying only the directions of the magnetic field. We show that the heat engine continues to generate power when the angle relative to the vector r joining the centres of coupled dipoles departs from the magic angle where the static coupling vanishes. A significant improvement in the device performance has to be attributed to the presence of the quantum delocalized levels associated with the coherent dipole-dipole coupling. These results obtained may provide a promising model for the biomimetic design and fabrication of quantum energy generators.